LisperFan

I wonder if there is a link to the increased use of Adderall and other ADHD treatments. Younger people may no longer be self-medicating because they have other, more effective alternatives available.

For a couple years I practiced meditation from 30 minutes to a couple hours per day. I was introduced to it when I started practicing the Wim Hof method for health reasons. I tried to adhere to a zen style of emptiness. It made me extremely happy, greatly increased my satisfaction with life and improved my relationship with my wife.

The downside for me came when I was driving or in public. I became very anxious because I would sometimes feel my thoughts drifting away as they did when I meditated and I feared I would lose my ability to control myself. I had some mild anxiety prior to meditating (never while driving tough) but it was greatly amplified during this time. I eventually stopped meditating due to some unrelated circumstances (basically not having enough free time), and my anxiety virtually disappeared. My overall happiness has decreased and I have resumed some self destructive behaviors (such as occasional binge drinking) . Not sure if I will ever pick it up again. I would probably be much better off if I had some actual instruction and someone to discuss these issues with.

Thank you.. I actually stalk you on here so finding this thread was easy. I have this link bookmarked and check it most days. https://news.ycombinator.com/threads?id=lisper

I've watched your QM video several times and will do so many more I'm sure in hopes that someday I will understand it.

Have you ever written any papers or blog posts regarding your thoughts on free will? I'd love to dig deeper into your perspective. I had assumed you would consider free will to be an illusion.